Share this article:

Haven likes

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Dr. Seuss would wholeheartedly approve of Street Library – it is right up his whimsical alley. Sprouting up in front yards and on garden fences and verges across Australia, a Street Library is a little home for books to be borrowed and shared. They are accessible from the street and an open invitation to share the joy of books with neighbours.

A registered not-for-profit charity, Street Library has a simple purpose: to encourage literacy while bringing neighbourhoods closer together. The books come and go – no one needs to check them in or out. Reach in and take what interests you, and when you’re done, return it to the network to pass on the love. If you have a book you think others would like, pop it into any Street Library you see. In our throwaway society, a cycle of generosity is created with participants encouraging reading, sharing and a sense of community.

The movement originated in the US and was launched in Australia by Nic Lowe in 2015. Nic’s aim was to see 500 Street Libraries planted across Australia. You can build your own at workshops run across the country, by downloading DIY instructions from the project’s website, or you can purchase a ready-built box made by a local Men’s Shed from the Street Library Australia website.

Discover if there’s a Street Library near you or become a part of the movement yourself by visiting www.streetlibrary.org.au

Haven review

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced green thumb, this is a definitive guide for anyone who dreams of bringing the country life to their little piece of suburbia by growing sustainable fruit and veg in any space. Horticultural expert Justin Calverley provides practical advice on creating an urban Garden of Eden in your backyard, on a balcony or courtyard, or even the front verge.

ABC Books RRP $39.99

Haven food

Pistachio, cranberry and fig granola

Thank you to Monique from her blog The Sunday Best for sharing this scrumptious day-starter with us. “For a long time, I’ve been making my own granola (muesli) for breakfast. It’s simple to make and you’ll love the awesome smell in your kitchen as it bakes.” Monique said. Visit The Sunday Best for more delicious recipes together with musings on design, photography, art and travel.

In a separate small bowl combine the oil, honey and vanilla. Stir this oil mixture into the dry ingredients, ensuring all the dry mix is coated.

Transfer the granola into a large, deep baking tray. Bake on a low heat at 160 degrees for 25 minutes, making sure to take it out of the oven and stir every eight minutes.

Once cooled, add the cranberries and figs.

* LSA is a linseed, sunflower seed and almond mix which comes in fine or coarsely ground form and can be bought ready-made from health food stores and supermarkets.

Any advice contained in this article is of a general nature only and does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. Therefore, before making any decision, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice with regard to those matters. Information in this article is correct as of the date of publication and is subject to change.